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Published on October 10, 2007

Each EZ's German-sausage quick-service outlet will cost Bt55,000 for a one-year contract for the 6-square-metre stores.The company said the mini-outlets were a good business idea at a time of consumer caution and economic difficulties.The company has put plans to open large restaurants on the back burner.The mini-stores are expected to boost EZ's overall revenue to Bt200 million next year, from this year's Bt120 million.

Managing director Supak Muennikorn said the mini-outlets met requirements of individual small investors who wanted to be business-owners but remain independent from strict franchise regulations.

"Our new mini-format stores will require small investors to spend only Bt55,000 for a one-year contract," said Supak.

 "We'll focus on expanding small EZ's outlets to many prime locations in Bangkok and its outskirts - shopping malls, office buildings and hospitals - before expanding to major provinces, particularly in the Northeast," he said.

The company expects to open about 120 mini-outlets by the end of next year.

"We try to blend our format to the current economic situation, which has witnessed a huge decline in spending power.

"These negative factors mean we've had to delay opening large, conventional restaurants, which cost about Bt2 million each," he said.

Supak said the company would consider expanding into Cambodia, Burma, Vietnam and China.

The Nation